“Education, training, cultural creative action and engagement [having a] crucial role in cultural, social, political and economic change.” Jenny Harris - AoR founder

Art of Regeneration (AoR) grew from a social regeneration programme that started at the Albany Theatre in South East London in 2001. Following the death of AoR’s founder, Jenny Harris in 2012, the organisation lay dormant. In 2014 it became evident to us that there was a continued relevance and potential for AoR to build on those formative years. We shared a strong motivation to continue the work of AoR and in 2015 we decided to build on Jenny’s legacy and rejuvenate the company.

Imogen and Alison worked on external projects at the Centre for Urban and Community Research (CUCR) for over a decade including multi-partner European programmes. They wanted to be able to work in a way that was more flexible, dynamic and cost effective so taking their work outside the University was a natural progression. Many of AoR’s Associates have connections with Goldsmiths and AoR continues to have a strong relationship with Goldsmiths for example offering opportunities to postgraduate students. 

Art of Regeneration Early Days

Our first major project, also called Art of Regeneration was a unique culture-led social regeneration programme, whose aim was to transform a community on the doorstep of economic opportunity into one with the capacity to unlock its full potential – through partnership and the arts. We wanted to do this by developing an exciting programme of artistic activity, capacity building and training that would not only inspire young people but also contribute towards: raising levels of achievement in the local schools improving levels of motivation, skills and competencies for young people enhancing the skills and expertise of the adults who work with them and transforming what was a neglected facility, the Albany in Deptford, South London into an inspirational focus for learning, creativity and social activity for the whole community.

Deptford Stories and the History of the Albany

Run in collaboration between the National Theatre's Art of Regeneration and the Albany Deptford, Deptford Stories explores the rich and varied history of the Albany and its communities. The show created was based on 'The Deptford Ark', a short history of the Albany, by John Turner. Read more about the research process behind the performance here.

Emancipation of the Dispossessed

A learning resource, centred around the abolition of the slave trade seen from a South East London perspective, this programme formed part of the bicentennial commemoration and was a local history study working with schools, Lewisham Further Education College, a Community Theatre Company and The National Maritime Museum. The play, based on real experiences, Blood Sugar was staged at the Queen's House Greenwich and was researched, written and directed by John Turner. Read more here.

Chris Schwarz

AoR holds the rights to a collection of Chris Schwarz’s photographs. These have a Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 International, which means that they are free (other than commercially) to use but Chris Schwarz must be acknowledged if these are used in any way / format.